Given the continued reliance on investor support, the directors of the company explored potential sale options, seeking a purchaser who could provide sufficient funding to take the company into profit.

But, despite searching extensively, no buyer was found.

Toby Underwood, joint administrator and PwC partner, said: “Unfortunately, the directors have been unable to achieve a sale of the company, and as such the directors had no option but to appoint administrators.

Read More

“This has resulted in making 185 employees redundant today and from today, all of the company’s nine stores across the country will cease to trade and no further orders will be taken. In addition, it will not be possible to make any further deliveries, also from today.

“The administrators are currently collating details of customer orders and stock records and trying to find a buyer for the order book. If a buyer is found it may be possible for them to complete some or all of the current orders.

“Where orders are not fulfilled, the joint administrators will write to customers with information as to how to make a claim.

“At this stage, we will not be able to provide information on customer orders or deposits. However, affected customers will be contacted as soon as possible to notify them of the position in relation to their order and deposit.”